The storm hit a lush coastal region of oil centers and tourist resorts where hundreds of towns and villages sit along streams and rivers.

Helene quickly weakened to a tropical depression after coming ashore, but forecasters say it still poses a threat to areas where thousands of people are still recovering from Hurricane Ernesto last week. Flooding from Ernesto left some 10,000 people homeless.

Helene is predicted to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain.

Meanwhile, out in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Gordon has grown into a hurricane with winds of about 80 mph. A hurricane warning has been posted for the central and eastern Azores. It's expected to pass near the eastern Azores late tomorrow or Monday.

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